Apple has officially previewed iPadOS 26, calling it the biggest leap forward in iPad software history. The update reimagines the iPad experience with a stunning new design, a revolutionary windowing system, deeper Apple Intelligence integration, and powerful new tools for productivity and creativity. Here’s everything you need to know about iPadOS 26 and why it’s set to redefine what’s possible on a tablet.

A Striking New Look: Liquid Glass Design

iPadOS 26 introduces a visually captivating design built around Liquid Glass, a translucent material that dynamically reacts to your environment and touch. The new design breathes life into the Lock Screen and Control Center, while updated app icons and color themes let users personalize their Home Screen like never before. Familiarity meets freshness as core apps like Mail, Safari, Apple TV, and Apple Music receive refined navigation and controls.

iPadOS 26 is our biggest iPadOS release ever, with powerful features that take the experience to the next level and transform what users can do on iPad. With a beautiful new design, an entirely new powerful and intuitive windowing system, even more features powered by Apple Intelligence, huge improvements to working with files, and new capabilities for creatives to power their workflows, iPadOS 26 makes our most versatile device even more capable.

Craig Federighi, Apple’s senior vice president of Software Engineering.

Game-Changing Windowing and Multitasking

For the first time, iPadOS 26 brings a powerful, intuitive windowing system that lets users resize, move, and tile app windows with ease. Whether you’re working with multiple apps, using Exposé to view all open windows, or leveraging Stage Manager with an external display, multitasking on iPad is now faster and more flexible. The new menu bar, accessible with a swipe or cursor, makes finding commands and features in any app effortless.

Apple Intelligence: Smarter, More Personal, More Private

Apple Intelligence is now woven throughout iPadOS 26, offering smarter features while prioritizing privacy. Live Translation breaks down language barriers in real-time across Phone, FaceTime, and Messages, automatically translating texts and even providing live captions during calls. Genmoji and Image Playground unlock creative new ways to express yourself, with advanced customization and the ability to generate unique images using ChatGPT integration.

Shortcuts are supercharged with intelligent actions, enabling users to automate tasks like summarizing text or generating images. For example, students can build a shortcut that compares lecture transcriptions with their notes and highlights missed key points.

Productivity Boost: Files, Preview, and Background Tasks

The Files app gets a major upgrade, featuring a resizable List view, collapsible folders, and powerful customization options like colored folders and emoji icons that sync across devices. Users can now drag folders into the Dock for instant access and set default apps for specific file types.

For the first time, the Preview app arrives on iPad, enabling users to view, edit, and mark up PDFs and images with Apple Pencil or touch. Features like AutoFill and multi-window support make working with documents seamless.

Background Tasks allow users and developers to run intensive processes in the background, with Live Activities providing real-time status updates. Enhanced audio tools offer granular microphone control, voice isolation, and studio-quality recording—perfect for creators and professionals.

Enhanced Communication and Creativity

iPadOS 26 brings the Journal app to iPad, letting users capture daily moments with photos, audio, handwriting, and more. The all-new Apple Games app introduces Game Overlay for quick access to events, settings, and social features during gameplay.

Messages now supports conversation backgrounds, polls, and improved group chat experiences, while the Phone app debuts on iPad with features like Hold Assist and Call Screening.

Accessibility and Education Features

Apple continues its commitment to accessibility with a new Accessibility Reader for easier on-screen reading, an improved Braille Access interface, and the ability to temporarily share accessibility settings across devices. The Calculator app introduces 3D graphing in Math Notes, and the Notes app now supports Markdown and audio transcription for phone conversations.

Why iPadOS 26 Matters

Craig Federighi, Apple’s SVP of Software Engineering, summed it up:

With its blend of beauty, intelligence, and productivity, iPadOS 26 cements the iPad as the most versatile device in Apple’s lineup. Whether you’re a student, creative professional, or everyday user, this update offers new ways to work, create, and connect.